Volunteer Cusco Kids

Spend two weeks working at a voluntary drop-in centre for children and youth where they can get help with homework, a hot meal and participate in a variety of workshops. Children living in extreme poverty in Cusco are often forced to drop out of school to work or beg on the streets to help support their families. You will be contributing to a project that provides children from poor families with a place to get guidance and support.

Volunteering at a drop in centre for children and youth, participating in workshops like leather-working and jewelery-making, exploring the cultures and history of Cusco.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERYIMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Notes

This volunteer trip, requires a mandatory application form and background check upon booking. Please go to the “Before You Go” tab and see the Important Notes section for more information.

Important Notes

1. Flights to/from Cusco can be purchased at the time of booking.

2. Intermediate Spanish is mandatory in order to be able to give and get the most out of the experience.

3. Please note that a mandatory application is required by all passengers booked on a Volunteer trip. Link to application form will be sent at time of booking

4. As part of our commitment to safety, all individuals contemplating this tour are obligated to undergo a criminal background check. This check is required by the Project to ensure the safety and well-being of the Project itself and its people. Oftentimes children will be involved in the Project, and it is the right thing to do to protect the most at-risk members of the society. G Adventures must receive the criminal background check(s) no later than 60 days prior to travel (If you are booking trip within 60 days prior to travel, background check must be received at time of booking). More information on this procedure can be found at: http://www.gadventures.com/volunteers/background-check/

The tour that you have selected is an independent tour. You will receive information about your tour upon arrival at the start hotel and will be accompanied to the project on day 2 by our local representative.

Meals Included

No meals included

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap.

Transport

local taxis, local bus, walking

About our Transportation

A private transfer will be provided to the volunteer project on Day 2 only.

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Family- style hostel (12 nts)

About Accommodation

Volunteer hostel
Simple, shared hoste in a safe neighbourhood near the central handicraft market of Cusco. There is a shared living room and kitchen with simple appliances: fridge and hot plate for cooking – (it is not common to have a full oven) + kettle, utensils, plates, etc.). Depending on the number of volunteers visiting at the time, you may either have your own room or share with another person, some rooms being with private and some with shared bathrooms.

This is basic accommodation, and is located closer to the centre of the town than to the project, so you will be shown how to take the bus to the project. Taxis are very reasonable in Cusco and safe, as are public buses, so while it might take you some time to feel comfortable with your new surroundings, as it is different from home, you can be confident that you are in a safe and friendly environment.

Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

This tour begins and ends in Cusco. Extra accommodation in Cusco, flights from and to Lima and accommodation in Lima can be purchased separately at the time of booking.

Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, is approximately a 15-minute drive from the centre of the city, where our joining hotel is located. The easiest way to get there is via taxi. After retrieving your luggage you will see tourist information kiosks. You can arrange for an official taxi at one of these kiosks. The rates are set and will not need to worry about sorting out a ride outside the airport facilities, where the situation tends to get more chaotic, with many drivers vying for few clients.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, someone will be at the airport to meet you. Upon leaving the baggage claim area you will see an area with sign boards all around. Look for a G Adventures sign board with your name. If after waiting for 20 minutes you do not see anyone with a G Adventures signboard please contact the local emergency contact number on your voucher.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT’S YOURRESPONSIBILITY TO HAVETHECORRECTTRAVELDOCUMENTATION.

Detailed Trip Notes

Ask yourself the following before deciding if this program is right for You:

-Do I think I can adapt to a new culture and be open to a different way of life, different food, language and customs? Yes/No
-Is my Spanish good enough that I could ask children questions about their homework, their life, their studies, etc.? Yes/No
-Is my main motivation to join this project working with kids? Will I be open to helping out where needed, for example in the kitchen, the garden, etc.? Yes/No
-Am I OK with being alone at the project and living in the apartment by myself if there are no other volunteers at the time I’m there? Yes/No
-Do I like the idea of a program that is different everyday, and that I might have to come up with ideas and help out where I’m needed? Yes/No

Help with the children and teens’ homework
Participate in the economic venture workshops: crafts, jewelry-making, leather-working
Participage in creative activities: music, drawing, painting, dance
Daily organizational activities: monitoring the groups
Activities in cleaning, helping in kitchen, gardening, composting and general house maintenance
Recreational activities: sports
General organizational assistance with program directors

Those with basic Spanish can expect:

Activities in cleaning, helping in kitchen, gardening, composting and general house maintenance
Recreational activities: sports
Help with English homework
General organizational assistance with program directors

For the best possible experience both for you and for the project, it is for these reasons that we strongly recommend only those with Intermediate and above Spanish skills participate in the program.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN).

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.

You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.

CURRENCYEXCHANGETIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ‘emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service.

All prices are per person in US dollar amounts
(unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

Huayna Picchu: Whilst we appreciate that this hike may be may be promoted by others, at this time we cannot verify that this hike meets G Adventures minimum safety standards. For this reason, we do not include the Huayna Picchu hike in any of our itineraries, and our CEO’s and support staff are prohibited from providing advice or assistance with booking this activity.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

Donation

Our volunteer tours include a Donation Amount which is payable by the time of final payment of your tour. On this tour, 100% of this donation will directly support the drop-in center for street children with which you will be volunteering.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you’ll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we’ll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gadventures.com/evaluations

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletter_signup

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Max Pax

8

Group Leader

Volunteer project coordinator and staff

PRODUCT_LINE: TSPJMN, ID: 22559

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco

A G Adventures representative will hold a general briefing in the evening, normally between 7pm and 8pm (a note will be posted in the arrival hotel with details).

Additional Notes:
Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

Included Activities:
Arrival Day
Meet and Greet Hotel Welcome Meeting

Day 2 Cusco

In the morning, a G Adventures representative will meet you, take you to the volunteer project and make sure you are settled.

Amidst the mountainous surroundings, stunning architecture and rich culture of Cusco, there is the bitter reality of children either working or begging on the streets. Many of these children are unable to cope with the stress of both working and going to school, which leads them to give up their studies in order to help provide for their families. Other children leave home because they have been abused, neglected or abandoned, turning to alcohol, drugs, or sniffing glue to help relieve their hunger pains. In order to support themselves, some children resort to begging or prostitution. By providing impoverished children with a place where they can receive guidance and support, we are helping to keep these children off the streets, and giving them the hope, confidence and skills needed to create a future for themselves.

Additional Notes:VOLUNTEERREQUIREMENTS
No experience is necessary, but Intermediate Spanish is required. Conversational Spanish at a level that enables you to comfortably interact with the children (for example helping them with homework), will ensure you have a rewarding experience. Please consider whether your Spanish level is sufficient to easily work with children in an after school program environment.

Included Activities:
Children’s Project Volunteering

Days 3-6 Cusco

Spend mornings and afternoons volunteering at a drop-in centre for children.

Included Activities:
Children’s Project Volunteering

Days 7-8 Cusco

Free weekend to enjoy all that Cusco has to offer. Free time to explore the city or enjoy some of the numerous optional activities: horseback riding, river rafting or a Sacred Valley tour.

Days 9-13 Cusco

Spend a second week volunteering at the drop-in center for children and supporting as needed.